The district that voted in favour of a basic income

7th June 2016, 0 comments

Most Swiss voters rejected the proposal for an unconditional basic income on June 5, but a few districts bucked the national trend. Why?(RTS, swissinfo.ch)

The proposal was turned down by 76.9% of voters, with all 26 of the country's cantons coming out against. Only one commune in western Switzerland and a few districts in the cities of Geneva and Zurich were in favour. Geneva's Pâquis district was one area where over 50% of voters approved the initiative.

The proposalaimed at reforming the cumbersome existing social security systems, boosting volunteer work and softening the impact of social disruption caused by technological change.

A monthly figure of CHF2,500 ($2,510) per adult and CHF625 for minors was mentioned in the campaign – which is slightly higher than the current maximum monthly state old age pension allowance and corresponds to what is considered the breadline in Switzerland.

After the vote, Interior Minister Alain Berset said the clear outcome was a public endorsement of the existing social security system in Switzerland “and there is no need for a revolution". He added that the government was aware of need to adapt the system and the challenges of a further industrial development.